CITY OF SAN FERNANDO–The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon continues to intensify its preparations against the threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
In a recent media conference, DOH 3 Regional Epidemiologist Jessie Fantone said that although the country remains free from Ebola, the agency started preparing its manpower and facilities in the entire region in the event the disease enters the country.
“So far, we have readied the facilities of our three regional hospitals to admit, observe and treat cases of EVD in the event that the virus enters the Philippines, specifically Central Luzon. These hospitals which include Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Nueva Ecija, Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital in Pampanga, and Bataan General Hospital are identified to accommodate transfer of cases in the region,” Fantone announced.
He likewise said that DOH 3 received 100 sets of Personal Protective Equipment, which were distributed to the regional hospitals for the use of their frontline medical workers who will attend to cases of EVD.
“We are also set to undergo training on the use of these PPEs as well as on the proper handling of Ebola cases in the next weeks. Hopefully, we can echo this training to all infection control nurses to equip them with the skills needed in the treatment of said disease,” the regional epidemiologist said.
In addition, the Health Department, through its Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is closely monitoring the passengers arriving via Clark International Airport to prevent the entry of the disease in the region.
“The BOQ is doing contact tracing of the passengers in order to ensure that they are not infected with the virus or that they have not come into contact with persons suspected of having EVD,” Fantone said.
Aside from this, DOH also intensifies its advocacy on the grassroots level so that even ordinary people have the knowledge on the symptoms of the disease and what to do in case these symptoms manifest.
Symptoms of the Ebola virus are sudden onset of headache, muscle pain, fever fatigue and sore throat.
Usually, it is followed by rash diarrhea, vomiting and even internal and external bleeding. (Marie Joy L. Simpao)
